1911 - Changing thumb safety disables grip safety?

[Oro]

A situation I've never run across - switching a thumb safety - and no other part - on a Colt renders the grip safety inop. Series '70 Colt. Stock grip safety original to the gun.

The new safety (stock, not fit in any way) works perfectly. I am having a hard time visualizing how the thumb safety in the "off" position disables the grip safety.

 

[BBBBill]

The thumb safety shaft passes thru the grip safety. The diameter and straightness of that shaft affect the fit/operation of the thumb safety. Measure the diameter of both and check the pin for overall straightness and squareness to the paddle.
You say that the new one properly blocks the sear with no fitting? ...

 

[Oro]

You say that the new one properly blocks the sear with no fitting? ...

Yes, it's out of a Colt, too, just an older model. I'll check the shaft; I had not credited that the pin could be that far off to cause the safety to wobble. Thanks for the tip and I'll go measure that later.

 

[Oro]

BBBBill,

Yes, that was it. The new (er, "old") safety had a shaft dia. of .1495" and the original safety has a shaft dia. of .1535". The difference was just enough to allow the grips safety a little wiggle on the pin so that it could be forced off with trigger pressure.

Late last night I was too bleary-eyed to see what was going on - you set me straight with minimal time wasted. Thanks for the lesson!

 

[BBBBill]

Glad to be of assistance!